Sonnet 99 – Combrogi

We were combrogi – companions, brothers,
equals – and we held the light against the
night’s fall.  We didn’t seek battle – others
chose conflict for us and we were simply

there, equipped to lead the cause. So we fought.
We fought for a generation consigned
to fear, to strife, to lack of hope.  We brought
knowledge bought with struggle – our scars remind

us all that no paper pedigree earns
a man respect.  It is the challenge, each
day met with love and dignity, which burns
us, brands us, calls us out and bids us reach

in faith to see the forsaken made more.
We were combrogi – companions endure.

For my brothers and sisters in arms…jwb